Characteristics: A medicinal and culinary mushroom native to Asia, North America, and Europe that grows on hardwoods (Mau et al., 2002; Friedman, 2015). It is distinctive because of its long spines that dangle beneath it (usually greater than 1cm in length).

History: Lions mane has historically been used to treat gastric ulcers, gastritis, and gastric and oesophageal cancer in traditional Chinese medicine (Powell, 2015). There is no clear evidence it was used to treat neurological conditions in ancient China, this appears to be a recent development.

Current applications: Martin Powell lists lion’s mane as having applications in dementia, Alzheimer’s, MS, nerve damage, and menopausal symptoms (Powell, 2015). It can be used to treat nerve damage, but also has a role in reducing anxiety similar to other nervines.

Science: In vivo and ex vivo research supports similar activities of lions mane to other medicinal mushrooms with anti-oxidant and anti-tumour effects (Mau et al., 2002; Kim et al., 2013). There is evidence it encourages the production of NGF (nerve growth factor) in ex vivo cellular models and regrowth of nerves (Wong et al., 2007). There is also evidence that is stimulates growth of damaged neurons in an animal model (Wong et al., 2009). Human clinical studies support its use for depression and anxiety (Nagano et al., 2010).

Safety: High, but it should be avoided by those pregnant or breast feeding.

Dosage: Between 1-6, 500 mg capsules can be used per day. For additional dosage information see text book by Martin Powell (Powell, 2015).

Form: The fruiting body of the mushroom (above ground), not the mycelium (roots), is the part of the mushroom traditionally used for medicine. To save money and speed up the process, some companies will grow the mushroom mycelium on a bed of grain, and then grind the two together and package it, before the fruiting body has a chance to develop. That means a reduction on most of the active compounds.